5 Things to do this week: Dec. 22-29

Wednesday

Dec 20, 2017 at 9:43 AM

1 “Christmas Carols by Candlelight”: 7-8 p.m. Dec. 22, Orthodox Church of St. John the Russian, 16 Mount Pleasant Ave., Ipswich. Free. For information: 978-380-6499; frspyridon44@gmail.com. St. John’s Orthodox Church will host an evening of “Christmas Carols by Candlelight.” Participants will sing traditional Christmas carols led by the parish choir. Singing will be followed by a reception with classic holiday refreshments. Parking is available in the rear of the church.

2 North Shore Music Theatre presents ‘A Christmas Carol’: Dec. 8-23 at North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. Tickets are $62-$77. Tickets can be purchased by calling the North Shore Music Theatre Box Office at 978-232-7200, via the website at http://nsmt.org or in person.

3 Topsfield Congregational services: 9:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. Dec. 24, Congregational Church of Topsfield, 9 E. Common St. For information: http://topsfieldchurch.org. At 9:30 a.m. Dec. 24, the fourth Sunday of Advent, there will be a service for children and families with favorite carols, scriptures, and an Advent wreath lighting. All readings will be offered by youth. A candlelight service will take place at 10 p.m., with traditional service of Christmas “Readings and Carols” and music by the Chancel Choir, and the evening to be concluded by candle lighting.

4 Great House tours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 26-29, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich. Guest of the Cranes Tour cost: $5, members; $15, nonmembers; Cat’s Meow tour cost: $5, members; $15, nonmembers; free, kids. For information: http://www.thetrustees.org/castlehill; 978-356-4351, ext. 3203. The Guest of the Cranes Tour will be held on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the interactive family tour, the Cat’s Meow, will be held at 10:30 a.m. and is ideal for ages 3-7. Portrait sessions will be available daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

5 Beverly Walk and Talk: 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 27, Church in the Cove, 167 Hale St., Beverly. Beverly Walk and Talk meets on Wednesdays at the Church in the Cove. The group walks until about 10:30 a.m., enjoying the Beverly waterfront and other local walking trails. Healing and wellness may be the primary focus of discussion. New walkers are welcome. Pets are welcome as well. Heavy rain or heavy snow cancels the walk. Wear comfortable hiking or walking shoes. This event is sponsored by Sanctified Healing - One Heart Mind Spirit. For information: 978-998-5642.